How Long Does It Take To Be A Phlebotomist

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood through a needle from live people, animals to perform test, research, transfusions, lab procedures and test or donations of blood. It is also called Venipuncture. Phlebotomists are medical professionals who have been trained to draw blood. Phlebotomists have received training in certification program which includes practical drawing of blood. Usually nurses as well as other medical staffs are trained in phlebotomy. A phlebotomist must be trained to reassure tense patients as well as children and must be skillful in blood drawing. Many people are generally frightened of needles and blood thus a phlebotomist must have the skill to calm nervous patients and children. The process of taking blood from patients is a particularly important step as it will help in establishing the medical condition of the patient. This article focuses on how long does it take to be a phlebotomist and the process that one has to follow.

A patient may have health problems and Phlebotomy has an important part in discovering discrepancies in the blood. Diagnosis of the problems is the first step towards a cure for the patient. Thus phlebotomist plays an integral role in the medical profession. A patient will feel calm and secure if the phlebotomist is trained properly in handling such patients. It is the professional training of a phlebotomist that helps them maintain a calm and relaxed atmosphere during the process of drawing specimens of blood from a patient. A phlebotomist should be trained in such a way as to be accurate and to work professionally under pressure. He should also have the skills to effectively communicate with the patient. Phlebotomist must take all relevant safety precaution during the procedure of drawing blood samples. There is high demand for technicians of phlebotomy. Phlebotomist as a profession offers a different respite for people looking for a chance to make a significant contribution as a healthcare medical professional.

You might be wondering how long does it take to be a phlebotomist. To become a phlebotomist there is relatively a short period of training. Becoming a phlebotomist is possible in a matter of months. Even for a person who is extremely busy, the steps to becoming a phlebotomy technician are convenient and easy. Usually Online classes are best for a person who intends to work an alternate job while working towards phlebotomy certification. It is relatively easy to find Phlebotomy courses at online and vocational schools, community colleges and universities in every state of USA.

How long does it take to be a phlebotomist also depends on the different certification programs, which are part of the qualification process. Certification programs last for a few months to a year generally and are crucial in the process of becoming a phlebotomist. They help to prepare you for the awaiting certification examination proffered by the AMA that is American Medical Association. This certification course has a downside that it does not culminate into a degree. For that reason, individual who do not want to pursue a profession where a bachelors degree is a benefit, this certification would be ideal. Associates degree is another educational option which typically takes two years to complete in a related healthcare field it can be used to gain a Bachelor’s degree.

Accredited programs of phlebotomy graduates are able to look for work right away and practice, but many employers have a preference to hire certified technicians. Some US states require phlebotomist to have licenses. If one wonders how long does it take to be a phlebotomist in such states, then at least 40 hours of classroom instruction, at least 100 unaided Venipuncture and skin punctures and 100 hours of clinical training are the minimum requirements. Applicants meeting these prerequisites can schedule a certification exam through the National Phlebotomy Association or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The average salary for a phlebotomy technician is roughly $27,000 according to the US Labor Bureau of Statistics. However expertise, level of education and the place of employment of a phlebotomy technician greatly affect their wages. Experienced and qualified phlebotomists might earn a wage of over $50,000 an year.

In conclusion, how long does it take to be a phlebotomist may take from a few months to a year depending upon the individual’s decision between a certification and an associate’s degree. Whichever he opts for it is up to the individual who has to decide how much time he wants to spend on becoming a skilled and certified phlebotomist. A highly skilled and certified phlebotomist would surely have no difficulty finding a job.